It is a stark truth that laws made to prevent a hungry lion from killing a goat will not hold. This principle applies equally to human beings. When people are pushed beyond their limits, they will not comply with laws but will instead break them to meet their basic needs. As the saying goes, “When the goat is pushed to the wall, it knows its control is over.”
Similarly, when a government fails in its responsibilities, it risks losing the respect, honor, and loyalty of its citizens. At a certain point, the very masses the government aims to lead will rise up against it. By then, it may be too late to correct course, and control will be lost to the populace. If the government allows such a situation to escalate, leaders and politicians may find themselves fleeing from a rampaging flood of public anger. It is imperative that the leaders of our country recognize this potential and take steps to prevent it.
Political truth dictates that when the masses lead, there is often great devastation. The average person may lack the sophistication and strategic vision necessary to guide a nation forward effectively. This is why it is crucial for leaders to fulfill their roles responsibly.
The only sustainable way for a government to maintain control is to ensure that it provides a good quality of life for the common man and meets the basic needs of its citizens. The average person’s needs are minimal, and addressing these can secure the government’s position and maintain order.
The Threshold of Endurance
When the limit of endurance is breached, nothing can prevent citizens from exploding in unrest. The fact that the common man can endure hardships for a long time, as seen in the case of Nigeria, does not negate the reality that there is a threshold beyond which the law will no longer hold. This threshold is crossed when government failures and a lackadaisical attitude towards governance become extreme. Unfortunately, Nigeria is fast approaching this critical point.
Effective laws and governance require more than mere legislation; they demand a commitment to meeting the basic needs of the populace and governing with integrity and compassion. By doing so, leaders can maintain control and avoid the devastating consequences of public unrest. Let us hope and pray that our leaders will heed these truths and steer our nation towards a prosperous and stable future.
Our leaders are well aware that Nigeria is a country rich in resources and potential. However, if the bounty and abundance of this nation continue to be looted day in and day out, a time will come when the citizens will rise and demand accountability. When that time comes, the laws that were made to oppress and control the populace will be ineffective.
When the signs of civil disobedience begin to emerge, it serves as a clear indication that, sooner or later, lawlessness will pervade the land if the leaders fail to take appropriate action. It is a grave deception for leaders to believe that all is well when poverty is growing at an alarming rate and when average citizens are desperate to flee their native land to seek better lives in foreign countries. These are two ominous signs that require serious consideration and prompt action.
As a leader, you can only enact effective laws when you first make provisions for the well-being of your followers. Failing to do so reveals the extent of the power that the followers themselves wield. Without providing for the basic needs of the people, any laws made will be seen as oppressive and will likely lead to increased lawlessness.
To illustrate this point, consider the following examples:
1. Provision Before Legislation: When laws are enacted without providing adequate alternatives or provisions for the citizens, such laws often result in greater unrest and disobedience. It is far safer to leave the situation as it is than to impose laws that exacerbate existing hardships.
2. Historical Context: Throughout history, we see that societies where leaders fail to address the basic needs of the populace experience significant turmoil. When citizens are left in poverty and desperation, they are more likely to rebel against unjust laws and oppressive regimes.
It is crucial for our leaders to recognize these signs and take proactive measures to address the needs of the people. True leadership involves not only creating laws but also ensuring that those laws are supported by adequate provisions that promote the welfare and prosperity of all citizens.
As leaders, it is essential to create an environment where citizens feel valued, provided for, and respected. Only then can we hope to build a stable, prosperous, and just society.
Addressing Poverty and Law Enforcement: A Case Study from Nigeria
Several years ago, a governor in a Nigerian city embarked on a mission to dislodge street hawkers from a popular location. The aim was to enhance the city’s aesthetic appeal. However, this policy was implemented hastily, without providing viable alternatives for the hawkers. Throughout his eight-year tenure, this initiative proved to be a significant challenge. Despite continuous efforts to enforce the law, the lack of alternative provisions led to persistent issues and a failure to achieve the desired results. The government expended considerable time, human effort, and material resources, but ultimately, the people prevailed.
A Tale of Two Governors
Governor One: The Struggle without Alternatives
The first governor faced an uphill battle as he attempted to remove hawkers from the streets without offering them alternative spaces. This oversight resulted in continuous resistance from the hawkers, making it impossible to enforce the policy effectively. The absence of a well-thought-out plan led to wasted resources and a failed policy.
Governor Two: Success through Strategic PPlannin
In contrast, his successor adopted a more strategic approach. Within four years, the new governor achieved what seemed impossible. He created designated spaces for the hawkers and enforced the policy only after these alternatives were in place. This proactive strategy led to the successful relocation of the hawkers, significantly improving the city’s aesthetics without causing undue hardship.
Additionally, the second governor addressed the rampant issue of kidnapping through the transport system by building motor parks. He mandated that passengers use these parks to board vehicles, thereby enhancing security and control. This approach of providing alternatives before enforcement proved highly effective.
The Federal Government’s Policy Failures
Examining the federal government’s recent policies reveals similar missteps. The government’s attempt to control cryptocurrency amidst growing poverty backfired. Instead of curbing its use, the government’s actions inadvertently increased awareness and interest in cryptocurrency. Within a month of enforcing strict regulations, even local traders and artisans began exploring how they could benefit from crypto trading.
A recent campaign, “Tap Your Way to Wealth,” further highlighted the disconnect between policy and reality. People from all walks of life—housewives, business people, students, and artisans—armed with Android phones, downloaded various apps, hoping to make quick money from the crypto world. This response was a direct result of economic hardship. If the economy were healthier and poverty had been mitigated, such desperate measures would not have been necessary.
Another manifestation of poverty is the proliferation of betting centers instead of industries. This trend underscores the lengths to which individuals will go to find alternative means of income when their basic needs are unmet.
The core issue is that poverty drives individuals to seek unstable sources of income, such as cryptocurrency trading and betting. When basic needs are unmet, people turn to these risky ventures out of desperation. Conversely, when citizens can meet their basic needs, they are less likely to engage in such activities.
We must urge the government to focus on improving the lives of the common man. Laws and policies must be designed to uplift the economically disadvantaged. Without addressing the root cause—poverty—any attempt at regulation will lead to restlessness and potential anarchy. A time will come when leaders will be unable to quell the tempest of the suffering masses.
In conclusion, the key to creating a stable and prosperous society lies in raising productive citizens. Empowering individuals to create their own wealth will reduce their attraction to get-rich-quick schemes. When citizens can earn a stable income, they become better custodians of laws, rules, and regulations. By providing vision and support, we can foster a society where laws are respected, and prosperity is achievable for all.